Which of the following best describes a lead inspection?

• A. A decorative assessment
• B. A general environmental risk assessment
• C. A surface-by-surface investigation to determine the presence of lead-based paint
• D. An air quality monitoring

Answer: (C)

A lead inspection is a surface-by-surface examination to determine whether lead-based paint is present on the surfaces in a building. The goal is to identify exactly where lead paint exists, its location, and often its condition, so you can understand where a lead hazard might be created. Inspectors typically use non-destructive tools like X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers or collect paint chip samples to test for the presence of lead on each relevant surface. This focus on locating lead-painted surfaces distinguishes an inspection from other activities. It isn’t about assessing air lead levels, which would be air monitoring, nor is it a broad environmental risk assessment or a decorative assessment.